Severn encourages our community to 'be prepared and know your risks' during Emergency Preparedness Week May 3 to 9

Township of Severn is recognizing May 3 to 9 as Emergency Preparedness Week, a national awareness initiative that encourages residents to take action to protect themselves, their families, and their community during an emergency.

This year’s theme, “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks,” is an important reminder that emergencies can happen quickly and without warning. In Severn, emergency situations such as the ice storm in 2025 and recent seasonal high water events have shown how important it is for every household to understand local risks, make a plan, and have supplies ready.

“Previous emergency situations, such as the ice storm and recent high water, have reminded us how quickly conditions can change and how important it is to be prepared,” said Ritch Lowell, Director of Fire and Emergency Services / Fire Chief. “Depending on the type of incident, its severity, and how long it lasts, residents may need to shelter in place, leave home, or manage while away from home. You may be without electricity, water, heating or cooking fuel, internet, or phone service. Emergency Preparedness Week is a good opportunity to know the risks, make a plan, and take practical steps before an emergency happens.”

Residents are encouraged to focus on four key actions during Emergency Preparedness Week:

Know the risks

In Severn, emergencies can look different depending on where you live, work, or travel in the community. Local risks may include flooding and high water, severe winter weather, wildfires, extended power outages, hazardous material incidents, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies. Knowing which risks could affect your home, neighbourhood, or rural property is an important first step in being prepared. Visit the Government of Canada’s Hazards and emergencies page for more information and practical guidance.

Make a plan

A household emergency plan helps everyone know what to do, where to go, and how to stay connected. Information should include safe exits, meeting places, emergency contacts, health and insurance information, pet arrangements, and the location of utility shutoffs such as the water valve, electrical panel, and gas valve.

Create an emergency kit

Residents should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. A household emergency kit should be easy to carry and easy to find, and include water, non-perishable food, a manual can opener, flashlight, radio, extra batteries, chargers, first aid supplies, medication, cash, copies of important documents, and supplies for children, pets, or household members with special needs. You should plan for about four litres of water per person, per day for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.

Reduce your risk

While natural disasters and other emergencies may be beyond our control, there are steps residents can take to reduce their impact. Preparing ahead of time can help households stay safer, reduce stress, and allow first responders to focus on those who need urgent help first.

“This week, I encourage everyone to take a few simple actions to be better prepared,” said Mayor Mike Burkett. “Individual and household preparedness can make a real difference. Having an emergency plan and a 72-hour kit can help residents cope with the stress and disruption of an emergency, both during the event and in the days that follow.”

In the event of an emergency, residents should stay informed by:

• visiting the Township’s newsfeed for public notices
• following Severn on Facebook and X
• listening to local radio stations for the most up-to-date information
• reviewing public weather alerts for severe weather updates

For more information on how to prepare for an emergency, residents can visit the Township of Severn Fire and Emergency Services Emergency Preparedness page and review resources from the Province of Ontario, Government of Canada, Canadian Red Cross, Centre for Emergency Preparedness, and County of Simcoe Emergency Management.

Contact us

Customer Care Team
Phone: 705-325-2315
Email the Customer Care Team